第14章
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  XXXIII

  Whate\'ershetouches,wallorrampiresteep,Goestotheground\'where\'erthemonsterwends,Eachfortressopens;neithercastle-keep,Norcityfromherrageitswealthdefends。

  HonoursdivineaswellthatBeastwouldreap,Itseemswhilethebesottedrabblebends

  Andclaimwithal,astoitskeepinggiven,ThesacredkeyswhichopenHellandHeaven。

  XXXIV

  Approachingnext,isseenacavalier,Histemplescircledwithimperialbay;

  Threeyouthswithhimincompanyappear,Withgoldenlilieswroughtintheirarray:

  AlionseemsagainstthatmonsterdrearToissue,withthesamedeviceasthey:

  Thenameoftheseareonthemarbleread,Someontheirskirt,somewrittenoverhead。

  XXXV

  OfthosewhosoagainstBeastadvance,Onetothehilthasinhislife-blooddyedHisfaulchion,FrancisstyledthefirstofFrance;

  WithAustrianMaximilianathisside:

  Inone,whogoreshisgulletwiththelance,TheemperorCharlesthefifthissignified:

  HenrytheeighthofEnglandishehight,Whointhemonster\'sbreastadarthaspight。

  XXXVI

  TheTENTH,inwriting,onhisbackdisplayedTheLion,whothatBeastisseentoholdBybothhisears,andhimsowellhasbayed,Thatthithertroopassistantsmanifold。

  \'Twouldseemtheworldallfearasidehaslaid;

  And,inamendmentoftheirerrorsold,Thitherwardnoblestroop,butthesearefew;

  AndsothathideousBeastthosehuntersslew。

  XXXVII

  Inwonderstoodlongtimethatwarliketrain,Desirous,asthestoriedworktheytraced,ToknowbyhandsofwhomthatBeastwasslain,Whichhadsomanysmilinglandsdefaced,Thenamesunknowntothem,thoughfiguredplainUponthemarblewhichthatfountaincased:

  Theyoneanotherprayed,ifanyguessedThatstory,hewouldtellittotherest。

  XXXVIII

  VivianonMalagigiturnedhiseyes,Wholisteningstoodthiswhile,yetspakehenought。

  “Withthee,“hecried,“totellthemeaninglies,Whoarethey,bywhosedartsandlancesdiesThatshouldstbywhatIseeinthisbetaught:

  Thehideousmonster,thattobayisbrought?“——

  AndMalagigi——“HithertotheirgloryNoauthorhasconsignedtolivingstory。

  XXXIX

  “Thechiefswhosenamesaregraveduponthestone,Notyethavemoveduponthisworldlystage;

  Butwillwithinsevenhundredyearsbeknown,Tothegreathonourofafutureage。

  WhattimekingArthurfilledtheBritishthrone,ThisfountainMerlinmade,enchantersage;

  WhothingstocomeuponthemarblefairMadesculpturebyacunningartist\'scare。

  XL

  “ThisBeast,whenweightsandmeasuresfirstwerefound,Cameoutofnetherhell;whenontheplain,Commonbefore,menfixedthelandmark\'sbound,Andfashionedwrittenpactswithjealouspain;

  Yetwalkednoteverywhere,atfirst,herround:

  Unvisitedsheleftyetmanyareign:

  Throughdiverseplacesinourtimeshewends;

  Butthevilerabbleandthecrowdoffends。

  XLI

  “Fromthebeginningeventoourday,Ayehasthatmonstergrown,andayewillgrow;

  Andtillmuchtimebepastwillgrowalway:

  Wasnevermightier,norworsecauseofwoe。

  ThatPython,oftthethemeofancientlay,Sopassingwonderfulandfierceinshow,Camenotbyhalfthisloathsomemonsternigh,Inallitsfoulnessanddeformity。

  XLII

  “Dreaddesolationshallitmake;norplaceWillunpollutedoruntaintedbe;

  AndyouinthemysterioussculpturedtraceButlittleofitsfouliniquity。

  Theworld,whenwearyofimploringgrace,Thoseworthypeerswhosenamesyousculpturedsee,Andwhichshallblazingcarbuncleoutshine,Tosuccourinitsutmostneedcombine。

  XLIII

  “NooneshallmorethatcruelbeastmolestThanFrancis,whotherealmofFrancewillsteer,Whojustlyshallbeforwardinthisquest,Whomnoneshallgobeyond,whomfewshallpeerSinceheinsplendour,asinalltherest,Wantinginworth,willmanymakeappearWhowhilomperfectseemed;sofadeandyieldAlllessergloriestothesunrevealed。

  XLIV

  “Inthefirstyearofhissuccessfulreign,Thecrownyetillsecureuponhisfront,HethreadstheAlps,andmakestheirlabourvain,WhowouldagainsthisarmsmaintaintheMount。

  Impelledbygenerousandbyjustdisdain,Theunavengedasyetisthataffront,WhichaFrencharmysufferedfromtheirrage,Whopouredfrombeast-cote,field,andpasturage:

  XLV

  “AndthenceshallintotherichLombardplainDescend,withalltheflowerofFrance,andsoShallbreaktheSwitzer,thathenceforthinvainWouldheuplifthishornagainstthefoe。

  TothesorescandaloftheChurchandSpain,AndtotheFlorentine\'smuchscatheandwoe,Byhimthatfamouscastleshallbequelled,Whichinexpugnablewhilerewasheld。

  XLVI

  “Inquellingithishonouredfaulchion,moreThanotherarms,availingshallbefound;

  WhichfirstthatcruelBeasttodeathwillgore,Thefouldestroyerofeachcountryround:

  ParforcewilleverystandardflybeforeThatconqueringfaulchion,orbecasttoground:

  Nor,stormedbyit,willrampart,fosse,orwall,Securethecity,theysurround,fromfall。

  XLVII

  “Imbuedwitheverygenerousquality,Whichcaningreatcommanderbecombined,——PrudencelikehiswhowonThrasymenaeAndTrebbia\'sfield,withCaesar\'sdaringmind,AndAlexander\'sfortune,himIsee;

  Withoutwhichalldesignsaremistandwind;

  Withal,sopassingliberal,IinnoneMarkhisexampleorhisparragon。”

  XLVIII

  SoMalagigitohiscomradessaid,AndmovedinthemdesiresomenametohearOfothers,whohadlaidthatmonsterdead,Whichtoslayothershadbeenusedwhilere。

  AmongthefirstBernardo\'snamewasread,MuchvauntedinthewritingoftheSeer:

  Whosaid,“ThroughhimasknownasBibbienaAsherownneighbourFlorenceandSiena。

  XLIX

  “MoreforwardinthischaseshallnooneshowThanSigismond,thanLewis,andthanJohn;

  Eachtothathideousbeastacruelfoe;

  OneaGonzaga,oneofArragon,AndoneaSalviati:withthemgoFrancisGonzagaandFrederickhisson:

  Brotherandson-in-law,theiraidafford;

  OnechiefFerrara\'s,oneUrbino\'slord。

  L

  “Ofoneofthesetheson,SirGuidobald,Willnotbysire,orother,distancedbe:

  WithOttobondeFlisco,SinibaldChasestheBeast,bothstrivingequally:

  LewisdeGazoloitsneckhasgalledWithoneofthosekeendarts,Apollo\'sfee,Givenwithhisbow,whattimeaswellhisglaive,Thegodofwar,togirdthatwarrior,gave。

  LI

  “TwoHerculesandtwoHippolytiOfEste,aHerculesandHippolyteOftheGonzagas\'andtheMedici,Huntandfatiguethemonsterinhisflight:

  NorJulianletshisgoodsonpasshimby;

  NorboldFerranthisbrother;norlesswightIsAndrewDoria;norbyanyoneIsFrancisSforzainthechaseoutdone。

  LII

  “OfgoodAvalo\'sgloriouslineagebred,Twochiefsthatmountainfortheirbearingshow,Which,hidinghim,fromdragon-feettohead,ThewickedTypheusseemstokeepbelow。

  \'Midthosecombined,tolaythemonsterdead,Shallnonemoreforwardthanthiscouplego:

  HimFrancisofPescaranamesthetext;

  Alphonso,hightofGuasto,isthenext。

  LIII

  “ButwhereleaveIGonsalvoFerrant,whoIsheldinsuchesteem,theprideofSpain?

  SopraisedbyMalagigi,thathimfewEqualamongtheworthiesofthattrain。

  William,surnamedofMonferrato,view\'Midthosethathavethehideousmonsterslain:

  Butthesearefewcomparedwithnumbersround,WhomthatdespiteousBeastshallkillorwound。”

  LIV

  Toconversegaythefriendsthemselvesaddrest,Andseemlypastimes,whentheirmealwasdone,Throughthehotnoontide,andfinecarpetsprest,\'Midshrubs,bywhichthelimpidriverrun。

  VivianandMalagigi,thattherestMightbemoretranquil,watchedwitharmouron;

  Whenunaccompaniedtheysawadame,Whoquicklytowardstheirplaceofsheltercame;

  LV

  Hippalcashe;fromwhomwastornawayFrontino,thatgoodhorse,byRodomont:

  Himhadshelongpursuedtheformerday,Andnowwithprayer,nowfollowedwithaffront。

  Whichbootingnought,shehadretracedherway,ToseekRogerooutinAgrismont;

  And,howIknownot,hearduponherround,HeherewithRichardettowouldbefound。

  LVI

  And,fortoherwellknownwasthatrepair,Usedbyheroften,sheherselfaddrestTowardsthefount,andinthatquarterfairFoundhim,andinwhatmanner,wasexprest;

  Butlikeembassadress,who——wiseandware——

  Betterthanwasenjoinedperformsahest,WhenRichardettoshebeheld,madeshowAsifshegoodRogerodidnotknow。

  LVII

  SheturnedherwhollytoSirRichardet,Asbounddirecttohim;and,onhisside,Hewhowellknewher,straightuproseandmet,Andaskedthatdamselwhitherwardshehied。

  Hippalca,withhereyesyetredandwetFromherlongweeping,sighingdeeply,cried,Butcriedaloud,thatyoungRogero,nearThewarriorsheaddrest,hertalemighthear:

  LVIII

  “IfromMountAlbanwithacoursersped;

  Soyourgoodsisterhadcommandedme

  Ahorsemuchlovedbyher,andhighlybred;

  Frontinoisycleptthatchargerfree;

  AndhimImorethanthirtymileshadledTowardsMarseilles,whereshedesignedtobeWithinfewdays;byherenjoinedtowendThither,andherarrivalthereattend。

  LIX

  “Iinthesurebeliefpursuedmycourse,Wasnonesostoutofheart,ifIshouldsayHowSirRinaldo\'ssisterownedthehorse,Hewouldpresumetotakethatsteedaway。

  Butvainwasmydesign;forhimparforceASaracentookfrommeyesterday:

  Nor,whentohimhismaster\'snameIread,Willthatboldrobberrenderbackthesteed。

  LX

  “HimIto-dayandallthedaybeforeHaveprayed,andprayerandmenaceprovingvain,Ayecursinghimandexecratingsore,Haveleftatlittledistance;where,withpain,Bothtohiscourserandhimself,theMoor,Asbesthecan,acombatdoesmaintainAgainstaknight,whohimsohardhasprest,Itrustmyinjuryshallberedrest。”

  LXI

  AtthisRogero,leapingonhisfeet,Whoscarcelyhadenduredthewholetohear,ToRichardettoturned;and,asameetGuerdonforhisgooddeed,thecavalierDid,withbeseechingsinfinite,entreatTolethimsinglywiththatdamselsteer,Untilsheshowedthepaynim,whobyforceHadwrestedfromherhandsthatgoodlyhorse。

  LXII

  RichardetthoughitseemsdiscourtesyToyieldtootherchampionthatemprize,Whichbyhimselfshouldterminatedbe

  YetwithRogero\'searnestsuitcomplies;

  Whotakesfarewellofthatgoodcompany,Andwiththedamselonherjourneyhies。

  Andleavesthoseothers,whomhisfeatsconfound,Notmerelylostinwonder,butastoud。

  LXIII

  TohimHippalcasaid,whensheapartHaddrawnhimtosomedistancefromtherest,ShewasdispatchedbyherthatinherheartBoreofhisworththeimagesoimprest;——

  Andadded,withoutusingfartherart,Allthatherladyhadtohimaddrest;

  Andifshetoldanothertalewhilere,OfRichardettoshewastheninfear。

  LXIV

  SheaddedhowtheauthorofthatdeedHadalsosaidtoherwithmicklepride;

  “BecauseIknowRogeroownsthesteed,MorewillinglyItakehimfromhisguide。

  Ifhewouldrepossessthecourser,readTohimwhatIhavenodesiretohide,IamthatRodomont,whosemartialworthScattersitssplendourthroughthisampleearth。”

  LXV

  Listening,thevisageoftheyouthfulknightShowedwithwhatragehisheartwasinaflame,Aswellasthatthehorsewashisdelight;

  Aswelluponaccountofwhenceitcame;

  Andalsothat\'twasreftinhisdespite;

  Heseesdishonourwillensueandblame,SavehefromRodomontredeemstheprey,Andwithaduerevengethatwrongrepay。

  LXVI

  Withhim,withoutrepose,thedamselrides,Whowithhisfoewouldbringhimfronttofront;

  Andthitherjournieswheretheroaddivides,Andonebranchcutstheplain,oneclimbsthemount,Andeitherpathwaytothatvalleyguides,WhereshehadnewlyleftKingRodomont,Themountaintrackwasshort,buttrodwithpain;

  Thatotherlongerfar,butsmoothandplain。

  LXVII

  Hippalca\'sardourtoretrievetheprey,AnduponRodomont\'savengethewrong,Incitesthatmaidthemountaintoassay;

  Bywhichassaidthejourneywaslesslong:

  WhileMandricardo,Rodomont,andtheyOfwhomIerstmadementioninmysong,Thateasiertrackacrossthelevelhold;

  AndthusencounternotRogerobold。

  LXVIII

  UntilKingAgramantshallsuccouredbe,SuspendedistheirquarrelinwhatwiseYouknow,andinthechampions\'companyDoralice,causeofalltheirdiscord,hies。

  Nowheartheupshotofthishistory!

  Theirwaydirectlybythatfountainlies,BesidewhosemarginareinpastimemetMarphisaandAldigierandRichardet。

  LXIX

  Marphisahad,athercompanions\'prayer,Cloathedherinfemaleornamentsandvest,Ofthose,whichbyMaganza\'straitourwereLatetoLanfusa,infulltrust,addrest;

  And,thoughtheappearanceofthatmaidwasrareWithouthercorslet,casqueandalltherest,——Attheirentreaty,theseforoncelaiddown——

  Shedeignedtoseemamaidanddonnedthegown。

  LXX

  AssoonasMandricardosawherface,Intrustthat,couldhewinherinaffray,Hewouldthatmaid,inrecompenseandplaceOfDoralice,toRodomontconvey;

  AsifLovetraffickedinsuchcontractsbase,Andlovercouldhisladychangeaway,Noryetwithreasonattheeventbepained,Ifheinlosingoneanothergained。

  LXXI

  Hencewithadamseltoprovidethepeer,Thathehimselftheothermayretain;

  Deemingherworthyanycavalier,Hewouldbyforceofarmsthemaidobtain;

  And,asifhecouldsuddenlyholddearThismaidasthat,onhimbestowthegain;

  Andallofthose,whomheaboutherspied,Forthwithtojoustandsinglefightdefied。

  LXXII

  VivianandMalagigiwhoweredightInarms,asguardandsuretyfortherest,

  Oneandtheotherchampion——promptforfight,Roselightlyfromtheherbagewhichtheyprest,Deemingtheyhadtojoustwitheitherknight;

  ButRodomont,whocamenotonthisquest,Nomotionmadeasheacoursewouldrun;

  Sothattheyhadtotourneybutwithone。

  LXXIII

  SirVivianisthefirstwhomoveshishorse,Withmightyheart,andlayshisweaponlow;

  Andhe,thatTartarking,renownedforforce,Withgreaterpuissancemeetsthecomingfoe。

  HislanceeachwarriorlevelsinthecourseWherehebeststruststoplantthefuriousblow。

  VainlySirVivian\'sspearthecasqueoffends;

  Northrowsthatpaynimknight,norevenbends。

  LXXIV

  ThatTartar\'sharderweaponmakestheshieldOfVivian,attheironset,flylikegrass;

  And,tumblingfromhissaddleonthefield,Extendsthechampionamidflowersandgrass。

  TorunhischanceSirMalagigi,steeled,Didtohisbrother\'ssuccourquicklypass;

  Butsuchthatwarrior\'shurrytobenear

  Ratheraccompanied,thanvengedthepeer。

  LXXV

  TheotherofthosebrethrenarmedbeforeHiscousin,andhadbackedhiscourserwight;

  And,havingfirstdefied,encounteredsore,Spurringwithflowingrein,thestrangerknight。

  AgainstthetemperedhelmthatpaganworeSoundedtheblow,aninchbelowthesight:

  Heaven-highthetruncheonflew,infragmentsbroke,Butthestoutpaganwincednotforthestroke。

  LXXVI

  Himontheleftsidesmotethatpaynimpeer,Andfortheblowwaswithhugeforcedesigned

  Littlehisshield,andlesshisirongear,Availed,whichopenedliketheyieldingrhind:

  Theweaponpiercedhisshoulder;AldigierNowrightnowleftuponhishorseinclined;

  Thenhim,\'midgrassandflowers,hiscomradesview,Witharmsofcrimson,faceofpallid,hue。

  LXXVII

  NextRichardettocomes,andfortheblowIntended,levelssuchamightylance,Heshowedhimself,ashewaswonttoshow,WorthytobeapaladinofFrance;

  Andhasstampedsignsofthisuponthefoe。

  Ifhehadwarredonhimwithequalchance;

  Butprostraterolled,encumberedbyhissteed;

  Norfellthecourserthroughhislord\'smisdeed。

  LXXVIII

  Whenknightappearednotontheotherside,Whoshouldinjoustthepaynimkingaffront,Hethoughtthedamselwashisprize,andhiedThither,whereshewasseatedbythefount。

  And——“Lady,youaremine,“theTartarcried,“Saveotherchampioninyoursuccourmount;

  Norcanyoumakedenialorexcuse,Sincesuchtherightofwarandcommonuse。”

  LXXIX

  Marphisaraisedherfacewithhaughtycheer,Andansweredhim:“Thyjudgmentwandersfar;

  Iwillconcedethysentencewouldbeclear,ConcludingIamthinebyrightofwar,IfeitherweremylordorcavalierOfthose,bytheeunhorsedinbloodyjar:

  NortheirsamI,norother\'s,butmyown,Whowinsme,winsmefrommyselfalone。

  LXXX

  “Itoowithlanceandsworddodoughtydeed,Andmorethanonegoodknightonearthhavelaid——

  Giveme,“shecried,“myarmourandmysteed。”

  Andreadilyhersquiresthathestobeyed:

  Theninherwaistcoatstood,offlowingweedDespoiled,withwell-knitfromandcharmsdisplayed;

  Andinallpointssuchstrengthsheshewedandgrace

  ResembledheavenlyMars,exceptherface。

  LXXXI

  Thedamseldonnedhersword,whenarmedallo\'er,Andonhercourserleaptwithnimblespring;

  And,rightandleft,shemadehim,thriceormorePoisedonhishaunches,turninnarrowring。

  And,levellingthesturdylanceshebore,Defied,andnextassailed,theTartarking。

  SocombatingwithPeleus\'son,ofyore,PenthesilaeawarredonTrojanshore。

  LXXXII

  Likebrittlecrystal,inthatproudcareer,Theweaponsattheresttopieceswent;

  Yetneitherofthosewarriors,\'twouldappear,Backwardsoneinchattheirencounterbent。

  Marphisa,whowouldwillinglybeclearWhatofacloserfightwouldbetheevent,Foranewcombatwiththepaynimlord,Wheeled,toattackthatwarriorwiththesword。

  LXXXIII

  ThatTartarcursedtheelementsandsky,Whenherhesawremaininginhersell;

  Andshe,whothoughttomakehisbucklerfly,Cursedheavenasloudlyasthatinfidel。

  Alreadyweretheirfaulchionsraisedonhigh,Whichontheenchantedarmslikehammersfell:

  Enchantedarmsbothcombatantsenclose,Nevermoreneededbythosedeadlyfoes。

  LXXXIV

  Soperfectarethechampions\'plateandchain,Theythrustorcutofspearorfaulchionstay;

  Sothatthetwothebattlemightmaintain,Throughoutthisandthroughoutanotherday:

  ButRodomontleapsinbetweenthetwain,AndtaxesMandricardowithdelay;

  Crying,“Ifbattlehereistobedone,Finishwethatwhichweto-daybegun。

  LXXXV

  “Wemadeatruce,thouknowest,uponpactOffurnishingourbaffledforcesaid;

  NorfoeinjoustorfightcanbeattackedByuswithjusticetillthisdebtbepaid。”

  ThentoMarphisaheinreverentactAddressedhimself,andofthatcouriersaid;

  Andnextrecountedtothemartialdame,HowseekingaidforAgramanthecame。

  LXXXVI

  NextpraysnotonlywiththatTartarknightShewillabandonordeferthefray;

  Butthat,Troyano\'svaliantsontoright,Shewill,togetherwiththem,wendherway;

  Bywhichherwarlikefameahigherflight,Moreeasilymay,eventoheaven,assay,Thaninaquarrelofsuchpaltryguise,Whichoffershindrancetosuchfairemprize。

  LXXXVII

  Marphisa,whohadevermoreinthoughtToprovethepaladinsofCharles,andwhoToFrancewasoverlandandoceanbrought,Fromclimesodistant,withnootherview,ThanbyherownexperiencetobetaughtIftheirfar-spreadrenownwerefalseortrue,Resolvedtogetherwiththetrooptospeed,Assoonasshehadheardtheirmonarch\'sneed。

  LXXXVIII

  MeanwhileRogero,withthatguidingmay,Hadvainlybytheruggedpathwaysped;

  WhothatkingRodomontanotherwayHadtaken,whenhereachedthemountain,read;

  Andthinking,thathewasnotfaraway,Andtheroadstraighttowardsthatfountainled,TrottinginhastebehindtheSarzanhied,Wherehenewprintsuponthepathespied。

  LXXXIX

  HippalcahetoMontAlbanoprayed,Towend,whichdistantoneday\'sjourneylies;

  Becausetoseekanewthatfountain-glade,Wouldbetowanderintoowideaguise。

  Andthatsheneednotdoubtwithal,hesaid,Butthathewouldretrievetheravishedprize。

  And,weresheinMountAlban——orwhere\'er——

  Vowedshethetidingsspeedilyshouldhear,XC

  Andgavethelettertothatmaidtobear,Which,writbyhim,heinhisbosomwore,Andaddedmanymatters,withtheprayer,Shewouldexcusehimbyherfriendlylore。

  Hippalcainhermemoryfixt,withcare,Thewhole;tookleave,andturnedherhorseoncemore:

  NorceasedthatfaithfulmessengertorideTillsheMountAlbanreachedatevening-tide。

  XCI

  Rogerofollowedfastthepaynimknight,Trackedo\'erthelevelbythosefootstepsnew,Butovertookhimnot,tillhegotsight,Besidethefount,ofMandricardotoo。

  Alreadyeitherhadhispromiseplight,Henoughtunknowntohiscompeerwoulddo,Tilltheyhadsuccourtothathostconveyed,OnwhichKingCharleshisyokehadnearlylaid。

  XCII

  Arrived,RogeroknewFrontinogay,And,throughthatcourser,knewtheknightastride;

  Andonhislancewithbendingshoulderlay,AndinfiercetonetheAfricandefied。

  JobwasoutdonebyRodomontthatday,Inthatthekingsubduedhishaughtypride,AndthefellfightwhichhehadeverusedToseekwitheveryinstance,herefused。

  XCII

  Thefirstdaythisandlast,thate\'erinfightKingRodomontrefusedhisparttobear!

  Buthisdesireappearedtohimsoright,Insuccourofhissovereigntorepair;

  ThatifhehadbelievedheclutchedtheknightFasterthannimbleleopardgripesthehare,Henotsofarhispurposewouldforego,Asonhispreytowasteapassingblow。

  XCIV

  Add,thatheknowsRogeroisthepeerWhohimforgoodFrontinonowassails;——

  Sofamous,thatnoothercavalierLikehimsucheminenceofgloryscales;——

  Theman,ofwhomhegladlywouldbeclear,Byproof,howmuchinbattleheavails:

  Yetshunsthecombat,profferedonhispart;

  Somuchhismonarch\'ssiegehasheatheart。

  XCV

  Threehundredmiles,athousand,wouldheride,——Wereitnotso——topurchasesuchaffray;

  Buthe,ifhimAchilleshaddefied,HaddonenootherwisethanasIsay;

  SodeeplydidthecoveringasheshideThatfirebeneath,whosefurystifledlay:

  Hetoldwhyherefusedthestrife;andprayed,AswellRogerothedesigntoaid。

  XCVI

  Addingthathe,indoingso,woulddoWhattohislordafaithfulvassalowes;

  Still,whenthesiegewasraised,mighttheyrenewAndterminatetheirdeadlystrifebyblows。

  TohimRogerocried,“ThefightwithyouIfreelywilldefer,tillfromhisfoesKingAgramantberescuedbythesword;

  ProvidedfirstFrontinoberestored。

  XCVII

  “WouldyouthatIdelaytoprovebydeed,Thatyouhaveactedinunworthysort,——Nordid,likevaliantman,totakemysteedThusfromawoman——tillwemeetatcourt,RendermemyFrontinoback,orread,Uponnootherground,willIsupportThatbattleshallnotbebetweenustwo;

  Norwillaccordanhouroftrucetoyou。”

  XCVIII

  WhileofthatAfricanhesodemandsFrontino,orhimthreatswithinstantfray;

  Andeitherstilltheother\'sclaimwithstands,Northisthesteedwillgrant,northatdelay;

  KingMandricardostirs,ontheotherhand,Anotherstrife;whoseesthatensigngayRogeroonhisshieldwaswonttowear,Thebirdwhichreignso\'erotherfowlsofair。

  XCIX

  Heboreonazurefieldthateaglewhite,ThebeauteousensignoftheTrojanthrong:

  Suchgloriousbearingshowedthatyouthfulknight,BecausehedrewhislinefromHectorstrong。

  ButMandricardoknewnotofthisright,Norwouldendure——anddeemedacryingwrong,ThatanyotherbuthimselfshouldwieldFamedHector\'sargenteagleonhisshield。

  C

  KingMandricardoislikeblazonworeThebirdofIde,whichboreoffGanymede:

  Howinthecastleperilousofyore,Hegainedthatnobleensignforhismeed,——ThatenterprizeIween,withmattermore,Youbearinmind,andhow,forhisgooddeed,Thefairygaveithimwithallthegear,ErstgivenbyVulcantotheTrojanpeer。

  CI

  TheTartarandRogerohadbeforeEngagedinbattle,onlyonthisquest,Dividedbywhataccident,myloreRecitesnot,asalreadymanifest:

  Norhadtillnowthoseknightsencounteredmore:

  WhenMandricardoseesthatbirdimprestOntheChild\'sshield,heshoutswiththreateningcryToyoungRogero:“Takemyprouddefy!“

  CII

  “Audaciousman,mineensigndo\'stthouwear,Northisto-dayforthefirsttime,issaid;

  Andthink\'stthou,madman,Iwilltheeforbear,BecauseforoncetosparetheeIwasled?

  ButsincenormenacenoryetcounselareOfforcetodrivethisfollyfromthyhead,ItshallappearhowmuchithadbeenbestFortheeforthwithtohaveobeyedmyhest。”

  CIII

  “Asfire,whereondry,heatedwoodisstrown,Rousedbyalittlepuff,atonceascends,SoburnsRogero\'swrath,tofuryblown,Bythefirstwordwithwhichthatkingoffends。

  “Thouthinkest,“heexclaims,“tobearmedown,Becausehisknightaswellwithmecontends:

  ButlearnthatIcanwininfightingfieldFromhimthehorse,fromtheegoodHector\'sshield。

  CIV

  “Yetoncebefore——norisitlongago——

  Twixtusinbattlewasthisquestiontried:

  ButIthatdayrestrainedthemurderousblow,Becausethouhadstnofaulchionatthyside。

  Theseshallbedeeds,thatstrifewasbutashow;

  Andillthisargentbirdshalltheebetide;

  Thisistheancientbearingofmyline;

  Tisthouusurpestwhatbyrightismine。”

  CV——

  “Sayrather,thouusurpestminefromme“;

  CriedMandricardo;andthatfaulchiondrew,Whichlately,underneaththegreenwoodtree,Orlandofromhishandinfurythrew。

  TheChild,whocouldnotaughtbutcourteousbe,SuchwashisgentlenatureattheviewOfMandricardo,withhisfaulchiondrawn,Letfallhisreadylanceuponthelawn;

  CVI

  Andatthesametime,strainedhisgoodlysword;

  Andbetterbracedthecoveringshieldhewore:

  But\'twixtthosecombatantsleaptArgier\'slord,AndquickMarphisaspurredthepairbefore;

  Andonethisfoe,theotherthatimplored,Andbothbesought,thattheywouldstrivenomore。

  KingRodomontcomplainstheTartarknightHasviolatedtwicethecompactplight。

  CVII

  First,inbeliefheshouldMarphisagain,Hemorethanoncehadjoustedforthatfair;

  NowtobearoffRogero\'sensignfain,HeforkingAgramantshowslittlecare——

  “Ifthus“saidRodomont“youfaithmaintain,Tofinishourowncombatbetterwere,AcauseofstrifemorefittingandmoredueThaneitherofthepleasmaintainedbyyou。

  CVIII

  “Onthisconditionwasthetreatyplight,Andtheaccordbetweenusnowinforce;

  WhenIwiththeeshallhaveperformedthefight,Inextshallanswerhimaboutthehorse:

  Youthenwithhim,ifyousurvive,yourrightShalltotheshieldmaintaininwarlikecourse。

  ButIsuchworkshallgiveyou,Iconceive,AswillsmalllabourforRogeroleave。”

  CIX——

  “Thebargainwhichthouhopestthoushaltnothave,“

  KingMandricardoansweredRodomont

  “Iwillaccordtheemorethanthoudo\'stcrave,Andtrusttomaketheesweatfromfeettofront。

  Andtobestowonothers,muchshallsave,Aswaterneverfailsinplenteousfont;

  AndforRogeroandathousandmore,Andalltheworldbesidereserveastore。”

  CX

  Theirfurywaxed,andangrierwordsensued,Nowuponthisandnowuponthatside。

  WithRodomontandwiththeChildatfeud,FierceMandricardobothatoncedefied。

  Rogero,notendowedwithsufferingmood,Wouldhearnomoreofpeace,butvengeancecried。

  NowhereMarphisahurried,andnowthere,Butcouldnotsinglysuchanillrepair。

  CXI

  Aspeasant,whenariversapsitsmounds,Andseekingventtheoozingwatersdrop,Hasteningtoshutthestreamwithinitsbounds,Andsavehispasturesandexpectedcrop,Damsrightandleft;yethimthestreamconfounds:

  For,ifheherethesinkingruinprop,Therehebeholdstherottendykegiveout,Andfromthickseamstherestlesswaterspout,CXII

  So,whiletheTartarandRogerorage,AndRodomont,inhurly-burlyfray,Foreachofthesewouldfiercestbattlewage,Andwouldoutgohisfearsinthatassay,Marphisaseekstheirfurytoassuage,Andstrives,andtimeandtroublethrowsaway;

  Forasshemakesoneknightfromstriferetire,Sheseestheothersre-engagewithire。

  CXIII

  Marphisa,toappeasethewarriorsbent,Exclaimed,“Sirs,listentomybetterlore;

  Agoodremembrance\'tis,allargumentToleaveuntilweAgramantrestore。

  Ifeachisonhisowndesignintent,WithMandricardowillIstriveoncemore;

  Andfainwouldsee,accordingtohisword,Ifhecanconquermewithspearandsword。

  CXIV

  “Butif,toaidoursovereign,dutycall,Himletusaid,norcivildiscordbreed。”——

  “Toground,throughme,suchprojectshallnotfall,“

  Rogerosaid,“soherestoremysteed。

  Lethimresignthathorse,or——onceforall。

  Isayagain——tohisdefencetakeheed。

  Ieitherheremypartingbreathwillyield,Oronmycourserwillreturnafield。”

  CXV——

  “TwerenotsoeasytoobtainthisquestAs\'twerethatother,“Rodomontreplied;

  Andthuspursued:“Iuntotheeprotest,Ifanyevilshallourkingbetide,Thineisthefaultnotmine;forIamprestTodowhate\'erisfitting,onmyside。”

  SmallheedtothatprotestRogeropaid,Andstungbyfury,gripedhistrenchantblade。

  CXVI

  OnArgier\'skinghesprang,likesavageboar,Encounteringhimwithshoulderandwithshield;

  Andhimdisorderedanddistrestsosore,Thatwithonestirrup\'sloss,themonarchreeled——

  “Rogero,“Mandricardocried,“giveo\'er,Orelsewithmedividethebattle-field“;

  Andstruck,thissaid,withworsethanfelonspite,Uponthemorionofthatyouthfulknight。

  CXVII

  Eventohiscourser\'sneckRogerobends;

  Nor,whenhewould,himselfcanrear;

  BecausetheswordofUlien\'ssondescendsAswellupontheyouthfulcavalier;

  And,butthatadamanthisfacedefends,Acrossthecheekshistemperedhelmwouldsheer。

  TheChild,inanguish,openseitherhand;

  Andthisthebridledropsandthatthebrand。

  CXVIII

  Himo\'erthefieldhiscourserbearsaway;

  Onearththefaulchionlies,whichheletgo:

  MarphisawithRogero\'sthroughthatday,Comradeinarmsappearedlikefiretoglow,Enraged,thattwooneknightshouldoverlay;

  And,asmagnanimousandstout,forfoeSingledKingMandricardoout,andsped,Withallhermight,strokeuponhishead。

  CXIX

  Rodomonto\'ertheplainpursueshisman——

  Anotherstroke,andhehaslostthehorse!

  ButRichardettodrives,andVivian,BetweentheChildandpayniminthatcourse。

  ThiswarrioratthekingofArgierran,AndfromRogeroseveredhimbyforce;

  ThatitwasVivianinRogero\'shand,Nowfromtheblowrecovered,placedhisbrand。

  CXX

  AssoonastohimselftheChildreturns,AndisbyVivianarmedwithswordagain,Tovengetheinjurythatstriplingburns,AndrunsatRodomontwithflowingrein,Likelion,whomabulluponhishornsHaslifted,thoughhefeelsthiswhilenopain,Sohimhisheatofblood,disdain,andire,Tovengethatcrueloutragegoadandfire。

  CXXI

  Rogerostormsuponthepaynim\'screst;

  And,couldthatknightrecoverhisownbrand,Whichbyfoulfelonyaserstexprest

  Wasravishedfromtheyouthfulwarrior\'shand,IwellbelievethatthedescendingpestRodomont\'sironcasquewillillwithstand;

  ThatcasquewhichBabel\'skingbadeforge,whosoughtTowaronHeaveninhispresumptuousthought。

  CXXII

  Discord,believingnothingcouldensueButstir,andstrife,andcombatonthathead;

  Andthattherewasnoplace,amidthecrew,Fortruceortreaty,tohersistersaid,Thatshe,herwell-belovedmonkstoview,Mightnowagainwithhersecurelytread。

  Letthemdepart;andmarkwewhereinfrontRogerohassorewoundedRodomont。

  CXXIII

  Rogero\'sblowwaslevelledwithsuchspite,ThatthisuponFrontino\'scruppermadeThehelmetandtheshellofironsmite,InwhichthatSaracenhislimbsarrayed;

  Andhe,threetimesorfour,toleftandright,——Asifabouttofall——head-foremost,swayed;

  Andwouldhavelostwithalhistrustybrand,Butthatthehiltwasfastenedtohishand。

  CXXIV

  MarphisahaskingMandricardoprestMeanwhile,andmakeshimsweatbreast,front,andface;

  AndheMarphisahasassoredistrest:

  Butsuchgoodplateseachvaliantbosomcase,Impassableiseitherironvest;

  Andbothhavehithertomaintainedtheirplace。

  But,ataturnhermartialcoursermade,MarphisaneededyoungRogero\'said。

  CXXV

  Marphisa\'smartialsteed,inturningshort,Whereafirmfootingthatsoftmeaddenied,Onthemoistsurfaceslipt,andinsuchsort,Thathefell,helpless,onhisbetterside;

  And,asheroseinhasteandlackedsupport,AthwartbyfuriousBrigliadorwasplied;

  Onwhichthepaynim,littlecourteous,came;

  Sothathefellanewbeneaththedame。

  CXXVI

  Rogero,whenMarphisaonthegroundHesawunhorsed,deferrednomorehisaid;

  Whoforthatdeedhadleisure;since,astound,Rodomontfarawayhadbeenconveyed:

  HesmotethemorionwhichthatTartarcrowned;

  And,cleftlikestalk,hisheadonearthhadlaid,HadhehistrustyBalisardaborn,OrMandricardootherhelmetworn。

  CXXVII

  Rodomont,ofhissensesrepossest,Turnedroundthiswhile,andRichardettospied;

  Andrecollectinghow,whenlatedistrest,HetoRogerosuccourhadsupplied,Quicklyagainstthatyouthfulwarriorprest;

  Whoanillguerdonwouldfromhimabide,DidMalagiginothismalicethwartWithothermagicandwithmickleart。

  CXXVIII

  SageMalagigiversedineverysleightWhichbythewisestwizardcanbedone;

  Althoughhisbookhehasnot,bywhosemight,Heinhiscoursecanstopthepassingsun;

  Theconjurationrecollectsandrite,Bywhichhetamestherebelfiends;andoneBidsenterintoDoralice\'ssteed,Whomhetofurystingsandheadlongspeed。

  CXXIX

  Intothatgentlepalfrey\'sform,whoboreThebeauteousdaughterofKingStordilane,SirVivian\'sbrother,simplybyhislore,Madepassanangelofthedarkdomain;

  Andthegoodhorse,whonevermovedbefore,Exceptindueobediencetotherein,Nowtookaleap,possestbythatillsprite,Thirtyfeetlongandsixteenfeetinheight。

  CXXX

  Itwasamightyleap,yetnotsowideAstomakeanyridervoidthesell。

  Seeingherselfsohighinair,loudcried,Yieldingherselffordeadthatbonnibel。

  Herpalfrey,withtheDaemonforhisguide,Afterhisleap,runs,goadedbythespellThemaidstillscreamingsuchafuriouscourse,Anarrowhadnotreachedtheflyinghorse。

  CXXXI

  Atthefirsthearingofthatvoice,thesonOfUlien,onhispart,thestrifesuspended;

  Andthither,wherethefuriouspalfreyrun,Swiftlyinsuccouroftheladywended。

  NolesswasbytheTartarmonarchdone;

  WhoneitherChildnordamselmoreoffended;

  Butwithoutcravingtime,ortruce,orpeace,PursuedKingRodomontandDoralice。

  CXXXII

  Marphisarosemeanwhile,tofurystirred;

  And,withdisdainalloverinaglow,Thoughttoaccomplishherrevenge,anderred:

  Forattoogreatadistancewasthefoe。

  Rogero,whobeheldthewardeferred,Ratherlikelionroaredthansighed:wellknowThosetwotheircourserstheyshouldvainlygore,FollowingFrontinoandgoodBrigliador。

  CXXXIII

  RogerowillnothalttillherenewAndendtheunfinishedcombatforthehorse;

  MarphisawillnotquitthatTartar,whoWilltohersatisfactionprovehisforce。

  ToleavetheirquarrelinsuchguisethetwoEsteemfoulscandal;astheirbettercourse,Inchaseofthoseoffendingknightstofare,Istheconclusionofthatvaliantpair。

  CXXXIV

  Theyinthepaynimcampwillfindeachfoe,Ifthembeforetheyfindnotontheirway;

  Whomthitherbound,toraisethesiegetheyknow,EreCharlemagnebringallbeneathhissway。

  SothitherwardthetwaindirectlygoWherethese,theydeem,willbetheircertainprey。

  YetnotsorudelythenceRogerobroke,Butthathefirstwithhiscompanionspoke。

  CXXXV

  ThitherreturnsRogero,whereapartIshe,thebrotherofhisladyfair;

  Andvowshimselfhisfriend,withgenerousheart,Ingoodorevilfortune,everywhere。

  Himheimplores——andframeshisspeechwithart——

  Hehissaluteswilltohissisterbear;

  Andthissowell,hemovesbythatrequestNodoubtinhim,noranyoftherest。

  CXXXVI

  OfMalagigiheandVivianeNexttakesfarewellandwoundedAldigier;

  TheirservicesnolessthatkindlytwainProffer,aseverdebtorstothepeer。

  MarphisatoseekParisissofain,Thatpartingsheforgetsherfriendstocheer;

  ButMalagigiandVivian,inpursuit,Follow,andfromafarthatmaidsalute;

  CXXXVII

  AndsoSirRichardetaswell:butlowOnearthliesAldigier,andtheremustrest。

  ThetwofirstchampionstowardsParisgo,Andthetwoothersnextpursuethatquest。

  Inothercanto,Sir,IhopetoshowOfwondrousandofsuperhumangest,WroughttothedamageoftheChristianking,BythosetwocouplesofwhoseworthIsing。

  CANTO27

  ARGUMENT

  BygoodRogeroandthosepaynimsthreeDefeated,CharlemagnetoParisflies。

  Alreadyall,throughouttheirchivalry,Aremadwithspiteandhatred;jarsarise,Andstrife;andmeanstostilltheirenmityTheirsovereignisunabletodevise。

  FromhimdepartsthemonarchofArgier,Whoisrejectedofhisladydear。

  I

  AwomanforthemostpartreasonsbestUponasuddenmotion,anduntaught;

  Forwiththatspecialgracethesexisblest,\'Midthosesomanygifts,wherewith\'tisfraught;

  Butman,ofalessnimblewitpossest,Isillatcounsel,save,withsoberthought,Heruminatesthereon,contenttospendCare,timeandtroubletomaturehisend。

  II

  Thatseemedgoodcounsel,butwasillindeedOfMalagigi\'s,asbeforewassaid;

  AlbeithesorescuedinhisneedHiscousinRichardet,withoddso\'erlaid,WhenfromthepaynimmonarchshimhefreedByreadydemon,whohishestobeyed;

  Forsureheneverdeemedtheyshouldbeborne,WheretheywouldworktheChristianarmyscorn。

  III

  Hadhesomelittleprizeforcounselstayed,Wewiththesamesuccessmaywellsuppose

  Hetohiscousinmighthavefurnishedaid,YetbroughtnotontheChristianhosttheirfoes:

  Thatevilspritehemightaswellhavemade,Him,whoembodiedinthepalfreygoes,Eastwardorwest,sofarthatladybear,ThatFranceshouldhearnofurtherofthepair。

  IV

  Sothetwolovers,followingherwhoflies,TootherplacethanParismightbebrought:

  ButthiscalamitywasasurpriseOnMalagigi,throughhislittlethought;

  Andfiendishmalice,banishedfromtheskies,Whicheverbloodandfireandravagesought,GuidedthembythatwaytoCharles\'disaster;

  Lefttohischoicebyhim,thewizardmaster。

  V

  ThewaywardfiendwhomakesthatpalfreyrampBearsoffthefrightedDoraliceamain;

  Norrivernoryetyawningditch,orswamp,Wood,rock,orruggedcliff,thesteedrestrain;

  Till,traversingtheFrenchandEnglishcamp,Andothersquadronsofthemingledtrain,BeneaththeholyflagofChristarraid,HetoGranada\'skingthefairconveyed。

  VI

  TheSarzanandtheTartarthefirstdayThatroyaldamselalongwhilepursue;

  Becauseherdistantformtheyyetsurvey;

  Butfinallytheylosethatlady\'sview;

  When,likealyme-dog,whomthehunterslayOnhareorroebuck\'strail,thevalianttwoFollowuponhertrack,norhalt,tilltoldThatsheisharbouredinherfather\'shold。

  VII

  Guardthyself,Charles:for,lo!againsttheeblownIssuchastorm,thatInorefugesee:

  Northeseredoubtedmonarchscomealone,ButthoseofSericaneandCircassy;

  WhileFortune,whowouldprobetheetothebone,Hastakenthosetwoshiningstarsfromthee,Whokepttheebytheirwisdomandtheirlight;

  Andthouremainestblindandwraptinnight。

  VIII

  \'TisofthevaliantcousinsIwouldspeak:

  Ofthese,Orlandoofhiswitbereft,Naked,insunorshower,byplainorpeak,Wandersabouttheworld,ahelplessweft;

  Andhe,inwisdomlittlelesstoseek,Rinaldo,inthyperiltheehasleft;

  And,forinParis-townsheisnotfound,InsearchofhisAngelicaisbound。

  IX

  Acunning,oldenchanterhimdeceived,Asintheoutletofmytalewassaid:

  Deludedbyaphantom,hebelievedAngelicawaswithOrlandofled;

  Andhencewithjealousy,atheart,aggrievedLoverne\'ersufferedworsetoParissped;

  Whencehe,assoonasheappearedatcourt,Bychance,wasnamedtoBritaintoresort。

  X

  Now,thefieldwon,whereinwithmicklefameHedroveKingAgramanthisworksbehind,ToParisyetagainthewarriorcame,Searchedconvent,tower,andhouse,and,saveconfined\'Twixtsolidwallsorcolumnsbethedame,Herwilltherestlessloversurelyfind:

  NorhernoryetOrlandohedescries,Soforthinthedesiretoseekthemhies。

  XI

  HertoAnglantesortoBravabrought,HedeemedtheCountenjoyedinmirthandplay;

  Andvainly,hereandthere,thatdamselsought,Norherenorthere,descriedthelong-soughtprey。

  ToParisherepairedagain,inthoughtThepaladinreturningtowaylay;

  BecausehedeemedhecouldnotroveatlargeWithoutthatTown,butonsomespecialcharge。

  XII

  Withinhetakesadayortwo\'srepose;

  And,whenhefindsOrlandocomesnotthere,AgaintoBravaandAnglantesgoesInquiringtidingsoftheroyalfair;

  Nor,whethermorningdawnsornoontideglows,——Nornightnorday——hiswearysteeddoesspare;

  Noronce——buttwiceahundredtimes——hasrunTheselfsamecourse,bylightofmoonorsun。

  XIII

  Buttheancientfoe,deludedbywhosesay,TotheforbiddenfruitEveraisedherhand,TurnedhiswaneyesonCharlemagneoneday,WhenhethegoodRinaldoabsentscanned;

  AndseeingwhatfoulroutanddisarrayMightatthattimebegiventoCharles\'sband,OfalltheSaracensthechoiceandflowerMarshalledinarmsagainsttheChristianpower。

  XIV

  KingSacripantandKingGradassowhoWhilerecompanionshipinwarhadmade,WhenfromAtlantes\'palacefledthetwo

  Togethertounitetheirarms,inaidOfroyalAgramant\'sbeleagueredcrew,Andwherethroughunknownlandsthewarriorshied,Madesmooththeway,andservedthemasaguide。

  XV

  ThitheranotherfiendthatruthlessfoeBadeRodomontandMandricardobearThroughways,bywhichhiscomradewasnotslowWiththeaffrightedDoralicetofare:

  Athird,lesttheytheirenterprizeforego,RogeroandMarphisahasincare:

  Buttheirconductorjourneysnotsofast;

  Andhencethatmartialpairarrivesthelast。

  XVI

  Laterbyhalfanhour,againsttheirfoes,Somatched,RogeroandMarphisaspeed;

  Becausethesableangel,whohisblowsAimedatthebandsthatheldtheChristiancreed,Provided,thatthecontestwhicharoseAboutthathorse,hisworkshouldnotimpede;

  Whichhadagainbeenkindled,hadthetwain,RodomontandRogero,metagain。

  XVII

  ThefirstfourrideuntilthemselvestheyfindWherethebesiegersandbesiegedtheyview;

  Andseethebannersshakinginthewind,Andthecantonmentsofthosearmiestwo。

  Heretheyshortcounseltook,andnextopined,InspiteofCharlemagne\'sbeleagueringcrew,Tocarryspeedysuccourtotheirliege,AndrescueroyalAgramantfromsiege。

  XVIII

  WherethickestcampedlayCharles\'shost,theyspurred,ClosingtheirfilesagainsttheChristianfoe。

  “AfricandSpain!“istheassailants\'word,WhomatallpointstheFranksforpaynimsknow——

  “Toarms,toarms!“throughouttheircampisheard:

  ButfirstisfelttheMoorishsabre\'sblow:

  Evenontherear-guardfallsthevengefulstroke,Notchargedalone,butrouted,beatandbroke。

  XIX

  TheChristianhostthroughoutisoverthrown,Andhowtheyknownot,intumultuouswise;

  AndthatitisawontedinsultdoneBySwitzerorbyGascon,somesurmise;

  But——sincethereasonistomostunknown——

  Eachseveralnationtoitsstandardflies,Thistothedrum,thattothetrumpet\'ssound,Andshriekandshoutfromearthtoheavenredound。

  XX

  AllarmedisCharlemagne,excepthishead,And,girtwithpaladins,hisfaithfulstay,ArriveddemandingwhatalarmhasbredDisorderinhishostanddisarray;

  Andstoptwithmenacethisorthatwhofled,Andmanyfugitives,upontheirway,Somewithmaimedface,breast,arm,orhand,espied,Andsomewithheadorthroatwithlife-blooddyed。

  XXI

  Advancing,heonearthsawmanymore,Orratherinalakeofcrimsonlaid,Horriblywelteringintheirowndarkgore,Beyondtheleech\'sandmagician\'said;

  Andbustsdisseveredfromtheheadstheybore,Andlegsandarms——acruelshow——surveyed;

  And,fromthefirstcantonmentstothelast,Sawslaughteredmenonallsidesashepast。

  XXII

  Wherethesmallbandadvancesinsuchwise,Deservingwelleternalpraisetogain,Vouchingtheirdeeds,along-drawnfurrowlies,Asignalrecordoftheirmightandmain。

  Hisarmy\'scruelslaughter,withsurprise,Angerandrage,isviewedbyCharlemagne。

  Sohewhoseshatteredwallshavefeltitsforce,Throughouthismansiontracksthelightning\'scourse。

  XXIII

  NottotherampartsofthepaynimcrewOfAgramantasyethadpiercedthisaid,When,onthefurtherside,theseothertwo,RogeroandMarphisa,thithermade。

  When,onceortwice,thatworthypairaviewHavetakenoftheground,andhavesurveyedThereadiestwayassistancetoafford,Theyswiftlymoveinsuccouroftheirlord。

  XXIV

  Aswhenwesparktoloadedmineapply,Throughthelongfurrow,filledwithsablegrain,Sofastthefuriouswildfiredarts,thateyePursuestheprogressoftheflashwithpain;

  Andasdireruinfollows,andfromhigh,Theloosenedrockandsolidbastionrain,SoboldRogeroandMarphisarushTobattle,sotheChristiansquadronscrush。

  XXV

  Frontandaskance,theassailantssmote,andlowOnearthheads,arms,andseveredshoulderslay,Where\'ertheChristiansquadronsweretooslowTofreethepathandbreaktheirclosearray。

  Whoe\'erhasseenthepassingtempestblow,Andofthehillorvalley,initsway,Oneportionravageandanotherleave,Maysotheircourseamidthathostconceive。

  XXVI

  Manywhohadescapedbyquickretreat,Rodomontandthoseotherfuriousthree,ThankGodthathehadgiventhemlegsandfeet,Wherewithtoflyfromthatcalamity;

  AndfromtheChildanddamselnewdefeatEncounter,whilewithendlongcoursetheyflee:

  Asman,nomatterifhestandsorrun,Seeksvainlyhispredestineddoomtoshun。

  XXVII

  Who\'scapeoneperil,intootherfly,Andpaythepenaltyoffleshandblood;

  So,bytheteethofdog,iswonttodieThefox,togetherwithherinfantbrood,ByonewhodwellsherancientcavernnighUnearthed,andwithathousandblowspursued;

  Whenfromsomeunsuspectedplace,thatfoeHasfilledwithfireandsmokethedenbelow。

  XXVIII

  MarphisaandtheChild,ofdangerclear,Enterthepaynimramparts;and,witheyesUpturned,theSaracens,withhumblecheer,ThankHeavenforthesuccessofthatemprize:

  Thepaladinsnolongeraretheirfear;

  ThemeanestMoorahundredFranksdefies;

  And\'tisresolved,withoutrepose,againTodrenchwithChristianbloodthethirstyplain。

  XXIX

  Atonceaformidablelarumrose;

  Horns,drums,andshrillingclarionsfilledtheskies;

  Andthewindruffles,asitcomesandgoes,Bannerandgonfalonofvariousdyes。

  TheGermansandthewarlikeBretonsclose;

  Rangedontheotherpart,inmartialwise,Italians,English,French,wereseen,andthroughThosearmiesfuriouswarblazedforthanew。

  XXX

  TheforceoftheredoubtedRodomont,AndthatofAgrican\'sinfuriateson,ThatofRogero,valiant\'scopiousfont,Gradasso\'s,sorenownedfortrophieswon,Themartialmaid,Marphisa\'sfearlessfront,AndmightofSacripant,excelledbynone,MadeCharlesuponSaintJohnandDenyscall,AndflyforsheltertohisPariswall。

  XXXI

  OffierceMarphisaandherboldalliesTheunconquereddaringandthewondrousmight,Sir,wasnotofanature——ofaguise——

  Tobeconceived,muchlessdescribedaright:

  Thenumberslaughteredhencemayyousurmise!

  WhatcruelblowKingCharlessustainedinfight!

  Addtothesewarriorsofillustriousname,MorethanoneMoor,withFerrau,knowntoFame。

  XXXII

  ManythroughrecklesshasteweredrownedinSeine,Foralltoonarrowwasthebridge\'sfloor,Anwished,likeIcarus,forwingsinvain,Havinggrimdeathbehindthemandbefore,SaveOliver,andOgierhighttheDane,ThepaladinsareprisonerstotheMoor:

  WoundedbeneathhisbettershoulderfledThefirst,thatotherwithabrokenhead。

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